Easy Runner 2

Easy Runner 2
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

This is the flip side of the Easy runner. This is a great first sewing project! Go smaller and make placemats.

Easy Runner

Easy Runner
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

Perfect for the holidays! With just two half-yard cuts of two patterns, I sewed them right sides together and used a CD to make the curved corners. Once I turned it right side out, and ironed it, I top-stitched the edge.

Use a pattern you like for the Fall and another for Winter and have a pretty table both seasons. I've made another for a hostess gift.

Boyish Shelf

Boyish Shelf
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

Mostly, I make things with fabric. However, when I was a child, my grandfather had an amazing workshop and he was patient and generous enough to let me play with saws, nails, drills, and scraps. I'm waxing sentimental because his tools and workshop were auctioned last weekend. Sweet man that he is, he saved the first hammer he used when he began his career in construction for me. I have lovely items in my home that he made--a cedar chest and a grandfather clock. That hammer will be cherished as much as those heirlooms.

This humble shelf is nod to my Grandpa Vern. I only used a hammer and nails to make it, but I summoned his words and lessons to do it. If your little person needs some wall storage, this is a super simple project.

You need: five yard sticks (or the appropriate number to cover the dimensions of the supports you choose); two pre-cut shelf supports from your favorite home improvement store (or cut them yourself if you have a jigsaw); and nail the yard sticks to the supports. For under ten dollars, you'll have a great shelf you made for your kiddo.

Thanks Grandpa Vern!

Dresden

Dresden
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

I'm still trying to summon sunshine in the Pacific Northwest. A new little pillow is in process for the livingroom. My first attempt at a dresden plate is surprisingly easy. I think I'll have to make another. You can make your own template. Simply make a circle using a plate as your pattern. Once cut out, fold the paper in halfs, quarters, eights, sixteenths. . . depending upon the size petals you desire. Add the seam allowance to your piece and you have your pattern.

Picnic Wedding Quilt

Picnic Wedding Quilt
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

My sweet niece Britta married a man named David in the Bahamas this spring. The event was full of beautiful and happy! Though we sent a gift prior to the happy day, I wanted to make something for them, too.

These colors remind me of their wedding--sunny and seaside all in one. The yellow blocks are 17" and the sashing (small blocks) are 6" (measurements prior to construction). I hope they make a home for it in the car--take it to the lake, the cabin, the concert. . . let it be the backdrop for memories while they are out and about.

Happy Wedding Dear Britta!

Twiddle Tails Giveaway

If you share my love for vintage reproduction fabrics, visit Twiddle Tails for their give away. They have 100 different prints you will love and are giving away charm packs of those lovely old prints. Here are some samples:

Imagin the fun you could have. . . tiny dresden plates, baby charm quilts, orange peel blocks. . . go visit Twiddle Tails and get in on the giveaway!

School Auction Ideas

My kiddo's school hosts an art walk each spring to showcase the work the students are doing and local artists and crafters donate to the silent auction. I'm thinking a collection of reusable market bags might be a good addition to the auction. Which pattern would you like best?

From Keyka Lou: Her market tote pattern is $5.00, has a reinforced handle, is lined and so darn cute!

From Burda Style: The Charlie bag is free, has simple construction, pocket to fold and store bag and a zig-zag finished handle.

From Earth Girl Fabrics: The Quick Carrier for free is easy to construct and has a reinforced handle.

Sunshine

Sunshine
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

In the Pacific Northwest we wait and wait for the sun to appear. I couldn't wait anymore, so I played with 2" blocks in sunshine colors. It is now by our front door so even when it is gray, we have some sunshine to greet us.

Spring Tutorials

We've been so distracted with holidays, birthdays and wonderful family weddings that I haven't done much sewing. I have a few little knit bits to share--a really adorable baby hat for a new little one due any day, but I wanted to share some things on my "to do" list. You might love them too. bookshelf mini-quilt by don't call me betsy upcycled skirt from a men's shirt from Lex paper daffodils from alpha mom post from the writer of the long thread paper dogwood flowers from Martha Stewart table setting placemat from punkin patterns I feel like these are projects (except for the mama skirt) that my kiddos can helpme create. They can choose fabrics for the books, they can draw and fold the flowers and they can choose their fabrics and colors for their placemats. I know the list seems short, but I don't want to over promise and under deliver. We made these without any pattern--just circles and free-handed petals and pinwheels. Give it a try if you like! Happy spring!